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By LeRae Haynes 

Saturday night the Royal Candadian Legion Branch 260 celebrated the 251st anniversary of Robbie Burns with a capacity crowd. It was the first Robbie Burns celebration in 100 Mile House in at least 15 years, according to Legion President Bev Torrence. "Ian and I have been to the last two Robbie Burns nights at the Legion in Williams Lake," she said. "Vivian McNeil from their Legion approached us and said that we should have a celebration here."  

(Photo: The birthday of renowned Scottish poet Robbie Burns was celebrated Saturday night at the Legion in 100 Mile House.)

The 100 Mile House Legion, which celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, has a long tradition of successful community events. Last night was no exception, from the beautifully decorated hall and delectable dinner to the festive music and dance. "This celebration means a lot to 100 Mile House----we have a fair number of Scots in the area," Bev said. "We had a very positive response." 

Master of Ceremonies Ron Hume shared the stage with Bev, who gave a warm Highland welcome to the crowd. The haggis was piped in by Doug White, carried in style by Joe Bazan, escorted by Sandy Pellerin and Sandy Lees and addressed by Bill Sheridan, all from the Williams Lake Pipe Band. Other members of the band included Crystal Sheridan, Bryan Underwood and John Visentin. 

The Selkirk Grace was given by Mona Collins, the Grace After Meat by Bob Wangensteen, and in between the two was a traditional Robbie Burns feast. The meal featured haggis, prime roast beef, bashed neeps, mushy peas, shortbread and Scottish trifle. 

The Toast to the Queen was given by Bev, Vivian gave The Immortal Memory of Robbie Burns and Doug White led the crowd in a rousing version of 'Star O' Rabbie Burns'. Ian and Bev Torrence delivered their own Toast to the Lassies and the Toast to the Laddies, to waves of appreiciative laughter and 'charging of the glasses.'  

Entertainment for the evening included the highly-skilled, award-winning South Cariboo Highland Dancers, who performed a range of dances, including the traditional Sword Dance and a rolicking hornipipe. The Williams Lake Pipe Band took the stage next in full kilt regalia, bringing down the house with tunes like Green Hills of Tyrol, Echo Lake, Morag of Dunvagen and Scotland the Brave. 

Mark Allen, joined by Mark Lees, performed new country favourite dance music and packed the dance floor to round out the festivities.